Adjusting Soap pH to 5.5

To adjust the pH of soap to 5.5 for better skin compatibility, you will need an acidic substance. Common chemicals used for this purpose in cosmetics include Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, and Glycolic Acid. Sodium Citrate can also be used as a buffer to help stabilize the pH at the desired level.

Recommended Chemicals:

• Citric Acid (Anhydrous, Natural): This is a widely used and effective acid for lowering pH. It is easy to dissolve in water.
• Lactic Acid (AHA 90%): Available in both ordinary and deodorized grades. It can lower pH and also offers skin benefits at certain concentrations, though for simple pH adjustment, its acidic property is key.
• Glycopure™ (Glycolic Acid): Another effective acid for pH adjustment.
• Sodium Citrate: Used as a buffer to help maintain the pH at 5.5 after adjustment with an acid.

How to Use:

1. Prepare your soap formulation.
2. Measure the current pH of the soap using a pH meter or pH strips.
3. Prepare a dilute solution of the acid you choose (e.g., Citric Acid) in water. It is easier to control pH changes with a dilute solution than adding the powder directly.
4. Gradually add the acid solution to your soap formulation in small amounts, stirring well after each addition.
5. After each addition and thorough mixing, measure the pH again.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the desired pH of 5.5 is reached.
7. If using Sodium Citrate as a buffer, you can add it after reaching the target pH with the acid. Prepare a solution of Sodium Citrate and add it gradually while monitoring the pH to ensure it remains stable at 5.5.

When to Add:

The pH adjustment is typically done towards the end of the formulation process, after all other ingredients have been mixed, but before final packaging.

Where to Buy:

You can find these chemicals at MySkinRecipes.

MySkinRecipes offers the following relevant products:

• Citric Acid (Anhydrous, Natural)
• Lactic Acid (AHA) 90% Deodorized (odorless)
• Lactic Acid (AHA) 90% (ordinary grade - smells)
• Glycopure™ (Glycolic Acid (AHA) 100% Powder)
• Sodium Citrate (Trisodium citrate dihydrate)

Always handle chemicals with care and follow safety guidelines. Using a reliable pH meter is recommended for accurate measurement.